Nov 12 (Reuters) - The United States carried out two air strikes in Syria against Iran and its aligned groups on Sunday, the Pentagon said, in the latest response to a series of attacks against American forces in Syria and in Iraq. "The President has no higher priority than the safety of U.S. personnel, and he directed today's action to make clear that the United States will defend itself, its personnel, and its interests," Austin said in a statement. Iran and its supporters say the United States shares responsibility for Israel's declared war against Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is also backed by Iran. U.S. and coalition troops have been attacked at least 40 times in Iraq and Syria by Iran-backed forces in recent weeks. The measures include increasing U.S. military patrols, restricting access to base facilities and boosting intelligence collection, including through drone and other surveillance operations, officials say.

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Persons: Lloyd Austin, Albu Kamal, Joe Biden, Austin, Israel's, Phil Stewart, Soul, Suleiman Al, Lisa Shumaker, Sandra Maler Organizations: United, Pentagon, American, . Defense, Palestinian, Hamas, U.S, Reuters, Thomson Locations: United States, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Albu, Mayadeen, Deir al Zor, Israel, U.S, State, East, Amman